Lauren Garner

Director, Eastern Outpatient and Community Services

Lauren is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist with 14 years of mental health experience.  She received both her Bachelor of Science and Master of Social Work from Western Carolina University.  After earning her Bachelor’s Degree, Lauren worked at Broughton State Hospital providing direct care to patients in group and individual settings.  Lauren has been part of the Appalachian Community Services team since 2011.  While working in multiple direct care capacities within ACS, Lauren discovered a passion for community and organizational management.  In 2015 she became the Assistant Director of Outpatient and Community-based Services, supervising services provided out of the eastern most counties served by ACS.  In 2019, Lauren accepted the position of Director of Outpatient Services and Client Relations.  In addition to being passionate about providing the best care in the region, Lauren also enjoys spending time with her two daughters, traveling, and recreational activities.

Dr. Ann Marie Russell

Adult Recovery Unit Medical Director

I arrived at NCG in 2017 via a curvy path through community mental clinics, ACT Teams, private practice, inpatient units, campus mental health and a mobile clinic for Cambodian refugees. My career has taken me from the East to the West coast, to New Zealand and back again, allowing me to meet people of different cultures, faiths and socioeconomic status both professionally and in my private life. During that time my husband and I raised three children and explored wherever the road took us. Being more settled these days, hiking, photography, gardening and a book and cup of tea are the pursuits that balance my life.

Kamay Gaboda

Director of Crisis Services

Kamay Gaboda came back to Appalachian Community Services to serve as the Director of Crisis Services. Ms. Gaboda earned her BA and MA in Counseling from Gardner Webb University and graduated in 2001. She is currently a Licensed Clinician Mental Health Clinical Supervisor (LCMCHCS), Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist (LCAS), Certified Clinical Supervisor, and Master of Addiction Counseling MAT. Ms. Gaboda has lived in Western North Carolina since birth. Ms. Gaboda work experience includes mental health and substance use counseling, and in management where she provided clinical supervision, program development, and management of inpatient, residential, outpatient, and Methadone treatment centers.  Ms. Gaboda enjoys spending time with family, traveling, listening to podcasts, and being on the family farm with her animals.

Becca Taylor

Crisis Services Manager

Becca has been an integral part of service delivery at Balsam for the past 14 years.  In March 2020, Becca joined ACS leadership in the role of Crisis Services Manager.  It has always been her passion to help others!  With a history of working in group homes, ACTT services, Mobile Crisis, and the Adult Recovery Unit, transitioning into Crisis Services leadership was a perfect fit!  Born and raised in Raleigh, she moved to Waynesville, in 1989.  In her spare time, you will find her in her garden, on a lawnmower, or with a paintbrush in hand.